finnish dentistry encounter the first

[cimorene]

The Finnish dentistry experience was different. It was also faster and more matter of fact and I didn't experience any sense of shaming about having allowed myself to get cavities, which was always a feeling I got in America. Plus, she was understanding about the pain thing, and assured me I could have more anaesthetic if it was hurting. I got an extra shot of novocaine as soon as I squeaked! I have to go back in a month to get permanent fillings and possibly a more thorough exam, if these ones didn't fix the on-and-off toothache twinges I was getting. But I don't have to get a root canal or anything!

Yay Finland!

I did take a Xanax before I left, so that probably helped with everything. I am now sleepy as well as numb in the face.

Comments

[gonergone]

Oh my god, shaming. Thank you for articulating the thing that my old dentist used to do every time I went there, which always left me with a horrible feeling of helpless rage.

[cimorene]

Totally. And from the hygienists too, right?

Do you know Frank Zappa's "Valley Girl"? In one of the Valley Girl monologues she says, "And the lady like goes, 'Oh my god, your toenails are like so grody.' It was like really embarrassing, like, 'Oh my god, like, bag those toenails!'" Yeah, that's what my past experiences remind me of. Although there was also a more didactic, scolding tone.

[princessofgeeks]

Good for you!!!! That must have been really hard to face. I am cheering for you.

[cimorene]

Thanks! It was a bit terrifying, but I had to go because I had a toothache. It was twinging last night and sufficiently uncomfortable that I started to have paranoid fantasies that my teeth were going to fall out or something. So by the time the appointment booking office opened, it definitely seemed like the lesser of two evils.

Overall, not the recommended method for seeking healthcare, but hopefully after this next time I won't be so avoidant.

[basingstoke]

Huzzah!